Midnight in Paris

Although I had already read some rave reviews before I could get hold of a copy of this film, I was still pleasantly surprised by how idiosyncratically amusing it actually is.

Irina Palm

Despite the tragedy and all the uncertainties until the very last minute, this is a hilariously funny film that keeps you stay tuned. A surprising cinematic triumph, much thanks to the subtle performance by its leading lady Marianne Faithful. Great chemistry between her and Miki Manojlovic, who also stars in one of my favourites, Underground.

Nina's tragedies

Made in 2003, this is a the most refreshing and rich in texture film I have ever watched in recent weeks. A real eye-opener.

Sopyonjie

It took enormous patience to sit through this slow pace film featured by regular and lengthy performance of a dying art form pansori. Accompanied only by a hint of drum, the traditional solo recital can sound rather monotonous, especially when the performer has to remain absolute passive throughout and voice becomes the only vehicle they can resort to. But despite the challenge to a foreign audience, it has a drawing power to keep you stay on to see what happens to those wanderers and guardians of a dying art. This is unexpected rewarded when the two siblings reunited briefly after years of separation and sat in the small rundown inn to perform the most challenging piece in their repertoire in great harmony and with repressed longing for each other. This is an exquisite film.

Down in the Valley

It made me realise why all the fuss about Evan Rachel Wood.

Half Nelson

Ryan Gosling gives a mesmerising performance as a drug-addicted school teacher in an inner city school. He makes the character so human that you just want to step in and pull him out from the mess he is so steep in. It is poignant that his 12 year old student seems to be the only one who cares enough to give him the help that the tough journey might need.

Fear and Trembling

Can we claim that we know the cultures of a country if we speak its language? This hilariously funny film poses a poignant question as we witness the Belgium girl who can speak fluent Japanese sinks to the dark pit of a Japanese company.